oil pump and distributor plug

[JBohannon]

On the lower part of the block at the point that oil pump and distributor come together I have a hex bolt going into the block. I read in an Model A book that it is only temporary and I should have a plug. Which is correct. Thanks, Joe B.

 

[cpetku]

I believe many A's have the bolt there and works fine. The correct solution for appearance is the plug. In my case I ordered the Snyders oil pump retainer not realizing I had a bolt in my block. Tried using the snyders part when I pulled the pan and the snyders part snapped in half. Heated the area up to get it out then used the bolt that was there to hold the pump in place when I put the pan back on. Doesn't leak, so I'm leaving the bolt in place (backed off of course) as I'm not going after judging points.

 

[RHD]

The bolt you refer to does not hold the oil pump in place. It should be a slotted plug.The pump is held by the spring on the bottom of the pump. It is the interference between the spring and the bottom of the pan that does the holding.
A-6621. Slotted plug.

 

[James Rogers]

On the lower part of the block at the point that oil pump and distributor come together I have a hex bolt going into the block. I read in an Model A book that it is only temporary and I should have a plug. Which is correct. Thanks, Joe B.

That hole looks like a 3/8 fine thread but it isn't. It is a 1/8 NPT and should have a pipe plug in it for replacement or a slotted pipe plug from Snyder's.

 

[Jim Parker Toronto]

I agree with James Rogers, get that bolt out of there and put in a proper pipe threaded plug. If the bolt is touching the oil pump shaft, it can cause damage in a running engine.